Association Event Network September 2018 | Page 13

September 2018
Survey
“Only 29% said they found event technology to be
very important and were using it on most of their
events, 23% said they are not using event technology
regularly and 13% said it was no use at all.”
Reviewing bi-annually is what we have
recommended when infl ation is very low,
as currently. However, some suppliers have
been increasing costs well over infl ation and
this needs to be factored into the pricing
as quickly as possible to maintain the event
surplus.
Perhaps one of the most interesting
statistics to come from the research was the
51% of associations that are not trying new
formats such as webcasting, virtual events
and webinars.
We expect to see a steady rise in virtual
events in the future as associations fi nd
they must work harder to provide value for
all their members - more events with no
costs for venue, travel, hotels, etc. but better
experience remotely with more professional
technology and hosting is an opportunity
many will pursue.
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With sponsorship and exhibiting critical
to producing a surplus, we were surprised
at fi rst with 45% fi nding it hard to sell,
however, 32% with no dedicated sales
person and 35% not customising packages,
this challenge seems well explained. Good
news was that 60% had recently updated
their packages and pricing.
Th e issue of association event directors
and HODs and the events being
undervalued in the strategy of associations
was a common issue raised, and, with
more research and analysis and input
from associations, we expect this to be
thoroughly discussed and addressed at the
Associations Congress in December at the
Novotel London West.